UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in International Agricultural Development
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Interdisciplinary programFocus Area
- Emphasis on developing countriesGlobal Focus
- Practical, on-site experience encouragedExperiential Learning
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in International Agricultural Development (IAD) at UC Davis is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in global agricultural and rural development. This interdisciplinary program focuses on enhancing agricultural development, resource management, and rural life, with a particular emphasis on issues relevant to developing countries and less-industrialized regions. Students will learn to implement, facilitate, and manage development programs, and will be prepared to drive biological and technological advancements in agricultural and natural systems to foster social innovation. The program includes both broad foundational knowledge in development issues related to agriculture and the environment, and in-depth study within specific areas.
Curriculum
The program requires both breadth and depth components. Breadth coursework, required for all M.S. students, covers essential topics in international development as they relate to agriculture and the environment.
- Year 1
- Fundamentals of Farming Systems
- Agricultural Economics
- History and Philosophy of Development
- Leadership and Management Techniques
- Year 2
- Research Project/Thesis
Careers
The program prepares students for careers in global agricultural and rural development, enabling them to implement, facilitate, and manage programs that enhance agricultural development, resource management, and rural life.
- Program Manager
- Development Specialist
- Agricultural Consultant
- Rural Development Officer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in International Agricultural Development?
- A Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in a biological science is required, with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is also necessary. Applicants should demonstrate research aptitude and enthusiasm.
- How is the program structured and what is its duration?
- The interdisciplinary program requires breadth coursework in development issues and in-depth study within specific areas. Year 1 includes foundational modules, while Year 2 focuses on a research project or thesis.
- What are the career prospects after completing this program?
- This program prepares students for roles such as Program Manager, Development Specialist, Agricultural Consultant, and Rural Development Officer in global agricultural and rural development.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- All costs associated with the M.S. program are the responsibility of the applicant. International students are strongly advised to secure fellowship support.
- How do I apply for the program and when is the deadline?
- Applications are completed electronically and typically open in September. The application deadline is December 1st for Fall Quarter admission.
- Are there any specific recommendations for international applicants regarding funding?
- International applicants are strongly advised to secure fellowship support from their home government or possess their own funding. Securing a faculty mentor committed to financial support is also crucial.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in a biological science is required, including coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Upper-division courses in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, microbial physiology, genetics, or immunology are recommended.
GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA required by the University of California.
Research ExperienceDemonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for research, including active participation in an independent research project supervised by a faculty member and/or post-baccalaureate research experience.
The Graduate Group in Microbiology (GMIC) strongly emphasizes its PhD program. MS degree students are generally not admitted unless they have secured a fellowship from their home government, possess their own funding, or have a faculty mentor committed to financial support. International applicants are strongly advised to seek fellowship support from their home countries; only exceptional international students without financial support may be considered.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
All costs associated with the M.S. program are the responsibility of the applicant. International students are strongly advised to secure fellowship support.
How to apply
1. Contact FacultyContact potential major professors to discuss research interests and availability. This is especially important for MS students who are directly admitted to a lab.
2. Complete ApplicationSubmit the electronic application through the Graduate Studies page. The application typically opens in September.
3. Submit Supporting MaterialsEnsure all required application materials, including transcripts and test scores, are submitted by the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in International Agricultural Development?
+
A Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in a biological science is required, with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is also necessary. Applicants should demonstrate research aptitude and enthusiasm.
How is the program structured and what is its duration?
+
The interdisciplinary program requires breadth coursework in development issues and in-depth study within specific areas. Year 1 includes foundational modules, while Year 2 focuses on a research project or thesis.
What are the career prospects after completing this program?
+
This program prepares students for roles such as Program Manager, Development Specialist, Agricultural Consultant, and Rural Development Officer in global agricultural and rural development.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
All costs associated with the M.S. program are the responsibility of the applicant. International students are strongly advised to secure fellowship support.
How do I apply for the program and when is the deadline?
+
Applications are completed electronically and typically open in September. The application deadline is December 1st for Fall Quarter admission.
Are there any specific recommendations for international applicants regarding funding?
+
International applicants are strongly advised to secure fellowship support from their home government or possess their own funding. Securing a faculty mentor committed to financial support is also crucial.